Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Orphan Schools, Dublin, Annual Distribution Of Prizes.
MASONIC ORPHAN SCHOOLS , DUBLIN , ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES .
[ F an illustration wero wanted of tho strength ancl inflnenco of the Masonic Order in Dublin , thafc illustration was forthcoming in the Exhibition Palaco on Thursday evening , 12 th inst ., on the occasion of the distribution of prizes to the pupils of the Masonic Schools . Tlio magnificent building iu Earlsfort-terrace has been consecrated " many a time and oft" to brilliant assemblages , but
seldom , if ever , before has ifc contained within its walls a gathering so splendid , so picturesque , so representative of the beauty , the culture , and tho wealth of tho metropolis , as on this last occasion . In tho absence of tho Grand Master , His Grace tlio Dnko of Abereorn , tho chair was taken by It . W . Bro . R . W . Shackleton , Q . C , D . G . M . who was well supported by Grancl Officers , Past Masters , and other
Brethren . In opening the proceedings tho Chairman said , he regretted tho absence of tho Grancl Master , who was obliged to be away from Ireland . Tie read a letter from his Grace , expressing regret afc not being able to bo in his place afc tho ceremony , and also tendering his thanks to Her Excellency tho Countess Cowper for her promise to bo present , to give away tho prizes . Ho also hoped
to bo moro fortunate in future , and trusted he shonld bo in his place another year afc their great Masonic assembly . The Chairman also referred to tho absence of the S . G . Chaplain , who he said hacl never onco before deserted his post since tho institntion of these assemblies ; illness however now prevented his attendance . The J . G . Warden ,
Lord Arthur Hill , had telegraphed that it would be impossible for him to leave London , special and important business detaining him . Before proceeding to tho bnsiness of tho evening , the Chairman said : —I am going to impart a few secrets , as I know the ladies who hear mo will bo very anxious to hear something of tho secrets of our Order . Tho secret is thafc wo havo no secret at all . We have
certain principles which are incnicated amongst us , and theso principles aro known to tho world . Theso are the principles that guide us Masons , and thoso principles are in print , and any ono can see them . But thero aro two of thoso principles that I think it well to be alluded to . In these days , when materialism is openly announced , when inlidelity is avowedly entertained by men of high
position , I think we Masons onght , without the slightest hesitation , to avow our utter abhorrence of these things . When we look around and gaze on the heavens , studded with myriad lights ; when we look at the earth , carpeted with flowers of every hne , ancl giving forth the most beautiful perfumes ; and when we regard man , the greatest work of all , with all his heavenward aspirations , ancl are told , as
some of these wise men tell ns , that these things are not the pro . duction of the great Creator of the Universe , bnt are , in thoir technical language , the mere fortuitous conglomeration of atomsatomical attraction—are we to hear such things and remain silent ? We Masons never enquire into a man ' s creed ; wo ask no man what his religions belief is ; we do nofc ask to know how he worships his
God—the only thing we ask is that he shall believe in a Supreme Being . Another of our universal principles is charity . The charity we inculcate , ancl the earliest lessons we inculcate to onr brethren , are universal benevolence ancl goodwill to all men , and more especially to our Brother Masons . We are assembled here to-night in celebration of ono act of charity , and I am sure , when we look around , we are ' glad
to see so many of our friends coming , year after year , to celebrate this our annual gathering . As you are aware , onr Female School was founded for a small number of inmates , and ifc was determined to build a new school-honso . Last year tho corner-stone of that bnilding was laid by the Grand Master , and on that occasion also we ¦ were honored by the presence of her Excellency the Countess Cowper .
To-night onr gathering is again graced by her presence , and yon will hear from some of the Brethren who will follow mo the progress that has been made in the bnilding since this time twelvemonths . We Governors had determined not to infringe on the funds of tho School for tho purpose of completing tho edifice , and I am proud to say we have been able to go on without doing so . But if tho School is
complete , there is another thing to be clone , and that is to furnish it . Now , I know that amongst the fairer portion of my audience thero is in every heart a soft tender spot , which , if I only had the magician ' s art , I might be able to touch ; but T can appeal to them and ask them to assist ns . Tfc is tho intention of the Governors , early in the ensuing year , to hold a bazaar or fancy fair , and wo hope from the
proceeds of that to be able to furnish the School . Now , on this occasion wc wish to enlist the sympathies and call upon the industrious fingers of onr lady friends to assist us arid help ns in every way they can . I know thoy will not refuse their consent . I ask them not to do so , ancl I will take their silence now as consent . Before sitting down , I . wish to mention that during the last year several of the older
girls have left the School , so that ou this occasion we have comparatively few but young children , and , as some of them are going to perform on tho piano , 1 would on thoir behalf bespeak , if necessary , tho kind sympathy and indulgence of the audience here . Bro . Capel Macnamara , LL . D ., Honorary Secretary , then read ' the annnal report , of which tho following is an extract : —The
anticipations expressed in the last report as to the new School have been fnlly realised . Tho foundation stone of tho building was laid with full Masonic ceremonial ou the 24 th of . Tune ( St . John ' s Day ) 1 S 80 , by the M . W . the G . M ., iu the presence of their Excellencies tue Lord Lieutenant and the Countess Cowper . Tho works have since been vigorously carried on , and afc the date of this report the main building has been roofed , the onfc offices have been commenced , the
boundary walls , railings , and gates are in process of erection , ancl ifc is confidently expected that the buildings will bo completed and ready for occupation early in the year 1882 . The contractors have hitherto given full satisfaction to the Building Committee . Great care has been taken to incur no extra expense which could be avoided , and there is no reason to apprehend that tha cost of the buildings , complete in all their essential parts , will exceed the estimated sum of
Masonic Orphan Schools, Dublin, Annual Distribution Of Prizes.
£ 12 , 000 . Special contribuions which were given to meet certain addi . tional expenses , such as the cost of handsome railings ancl suitable gates , and the Speedy Memorial Fund , which was devoted b y the donors towards tho cost of the infirmary , are not included in this sum , The most conspicuous liberality has been manifested by tho members of tho Order in support of this great undertaking . The subscriptions
promised up to 4 th May 18 S 1 amounted to £ 10 , 523 5 s , of which £ 7 , 353 7 s Sd was actually paid . If tho Building Fund up to 1 st of March . 1881 be included , the amount contributed to the Masonic Female Orphan School during tho period of this report far exceeds the recei pts during any corresponding period iu the history of the Institution—a result which , having regard to the circumstances of the timo , affords
the deepest gratification to tho Governors . The Governors havin " , with the approval of tho Grand Lodgo and Graud Chapter of Irelaud , resolved to raise the funds required for the completion of the new School without drawing upon tho invested capital , it is still necessary to collect a sum of about £ 2 , 000 . Though the amount already given is so large , tho number of individual donors is comparatively very
small , and although tho Orphans of provincial brethren who are received into the School far outnumber thoso from Dublin , the sab . scriptious from tho country , ancl especially from the North of Ireland , aro not in duo proportion to the sums received from tho Dublin members of the Order . The Governors earnestl y desiro ancl confidently hope that , by increased exertions , especially
on the parfc of tho friends of the Institution in the provinces , tho Building Fund may very speedily be completed . Tho general income for the year 1880 was £ 1 , 990 10 s lOd , ancl tho expenditure ( including a balance of £ 37 9 s 5 d due from 1879 ) was £ 2 , 591 17 s 5 d . There was , therefore , a deficit at the close of the year of £ 638 16 s , which , but for tho amount received for tho Building Fund , would have
caused the greatest anxiety . The Governors observe with regret thafc the decline in the receipts has now been progressive for several years . When the School is removed , it is expected that the annnal cost of maintaining the same number of children will not be greater than in tho existing house , but it would be a melanchol y disappointment if the Governors were precluded , by want of funds , from making the
enlarged accommodation available for tha admission of a greater number of pupils as rapidly as really eligible candidates came forward . Ifc may bo calculated that an increase of £ 40 per annum will be re . quired for the maintenance of each additional girl . Ifc is , therefore , essential to increase the amount of the permanent income , and the Governors believe that this can be best done by increasing the num .
ber of Annual Governors , and by inducing those who have already given larger sums nofc to discontinue the yearly subscriptions , on which the School must chiefly depend for its permanent stability . The number of subscribing brethren in Ireland is so large , that if all , or even a majority , could be induced to subscribe a small sum each , an ample endowment for both Schools would be obtained . The
Governors feel that no more convenient mode could be adopted of multiply ing small contributions than by extending the custom of making collections afc the meetings and devoting them to the Schools . During the year ten pupils have left the School . The inadequacy of the existing School to meet the demands upon it was painfully demonstrated during tho year . Only six pupils could be admitted , though
eig hteen candidates presented themselves in June , ancl seventeen in December . Seven were struck off the lists , having reached the limit of ago withont obtaining admission . Tho number of pupils in the School on 31 st December 1880 was thirty-five . Bro . Dr . Webb , Q . C , proposed that the report should be widel y circulated , and that the best thanks of the meeting be presented to
the Officers of tho Institution , ancl especially to its medical officers , for the disinterested ancl devoted attention which they have bestowed upon its interests , ancl for the unbounded interest and sympathy which they have manifested throughout for its prosperity aud progress . He proceeded : I must say thafc there is not a lady present , or , for that matter , not au un-Masonic gentleman present , whose
curiosity has not been aroused as to what may be the symbolic significance of the curious devices and the mysterious badges by which the brethren are adorned . I may venture to follow your example , sir . I will venture to take this great meeting into my confidence , and to reveal a secret—a secret which was revealed by you , ancl which was no secret whatsoever—a secret which is no secret / 1 presume—which requires
merely to be mentioned in order thafc you may be reminded of what is in reality a more fact , and that is this , that the true jewels and badges of this illustrious Order aro not those which are worn upon the shoulder and displayed upon the breast . If I may use the language , the familiar language of the mother of the Gracchi , " These are my jewels , " pointing to her children . I say that these young girlswhom
, wo are educating in the paths of virtue , are our jewels . Thafc these young boys , whom we are educating in the paths of virtue , are the real badges of the Order . Ifc is nofc , however , my duty to-night to glorify the Order ; The resolution which I have the honour to propose is that the report be widely circulated , and the more widely it is circulated , the more ifc will redound to the honour of the Brotherhood .
What docs thafc report exhibit ? It shows that in this disastrous year , in this year of universal distress , there have been in the Masonic body strong , determined and adventurous spirits , who have resolved to take this year above all others to characterise a new departure in Masonry , ancl to symbolise it by the erection of a building which all future generations ! , 0 r at least to many generations to come , will
bo a standing memorial of the liberality and munificence of the contemporary Order . The years of grace 1880 and 1881 have been marked by the private munificence of the Brotherhood in tho accumulation of so largo a sum as £ 10 , 500 . Though this has been the case , thoro remain those who have not yet performed their duty in this respect , and I am ashamed to
confess I am one of the number . It is not right that the new Masonic bnilding should bo allowed to commence its career of usefulness in debt , and the report says there is a sum of £ 2 , 000 still requiring to be subscribed before ifc can be relieved from thafc incubus . Now , I honestly confess my error , and I will promise amendment—if there is any Mason present who has fallen iuto a similar oblivion of his duty
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Orphan Schools, Dublin, Annual Distribution Of Prizes.
MASONIC ORPHAN SCHOOLS , DUBLIN , ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES .
[ F an illustration wero wanted of tho strength ancl inflnenco of the Masonic Order in Dublin , thafc illustration was forthcoming in the Exhibition Palaco on Thursday evening , 12 th inst ., on the occasion of the distribution of prizes to the pupils of the Masonic Schools . Tlio magnificent building iu Earlsfort-terrace has been consecrated " many a time and oft" to brilliant assemblages , but
seldom , if ever , before has ifc contained within its walls a gathering so splendid , so picturesque , so representative of the beauty , the culture , and tho wealth of tho metropolis , as on this last occasion . In tho absence of tho Grand Master , His Grace tlio Dnko of Abereorn , tho chair was taken by It . W . Bro . R . W . Shackleton , Q . C , D . G . M . who was well supported by Grancl Officers , Past Masters , and other
Brethren . In opening the proceedings tho Chairman said , he regretted tho absence of tho Grancl Master , who was obliged to be away from Ireland . Tie read a letter from his Grace , expressing regret afc not being able to bo in his place afc tho ceremony , and also tendering his thanks to Her Excellency tho Countess Cowper for her promise to bo present , to give away tho prizes . Ho also hoped
to bo moro fortunate in future , and trusted he shonld bo in his place another year afc their great Masonic assembly . The Chairman also referred to tho absence of the S . G . Chaplain , who he said hacl never onco before deserted his post since tho institntion of these assemblies ; illness however now prevented his attendance . The J . G . Warden ,
Lord Arthur Hill , had telegraphed that it would be impossible for him to leave London , special and important business detaining him . Before proceeding to tho bnsiness of tho evening , the Chairman said : —I am going to impart a few secrets , as I know the ladies who hear mo will bo very anxious to hear something of tho secrets of our Order . Tho secret is thafc wo havo no secret at all . We have
certain principles which are incnicated amongst us , and theso principles aro known to tho world . Theso are the principles that guide us Masons , and thoso principles are in print , and any ono can see them . But thero aro two of thoso principles that I think it well to be alluded to . In these days , when materialism is openly announced , when inlidelity is avowedly entertained by men of high
position , I think we Masons onght , without the slightest hesitation , to avow our utter abhorrence of these things . When we look around and gaze on the heavens , studded with myriad lights ; when we look at the earth , carpeted with flowers of every hne , ancl giving forth the most beautiful perfumes ; and when we regard man , the greatest work of all , with all his heavenward aspirations , ancl are told , as
some of these wise men tell ns , that these things are not the pro . duction of the great Creator of the Universe , bnt are , in thoir technical language , the mere fortuitous conglomeration of atomsatomical attraction—are we to hear such things and remain silent ? We Masons never enquire into a man ' s creed ; wo ask no man what his religions belief is ; we do nofc ask to know how he worships his
God—the only thing we ask is that he shall believe in a Supreme Being . Another of our universal principles is charity . The charity we inculcate , ancl the earliest lessons we inculcate to onr brethren , are universal benevolence ancl goodwill to all men , and more especially to our Brother Masons . We are assembled here to-night in celebration of ono act of charity , and I am sure , when we look around , we are ' glad
to see so many of our friends coming , year after year , to celebrate this our annual gathering . As you are aware , onr Female School was founded for a small number of inmates , and ifc was determined to build a new school-honso . Last year tho corner-stone of that bnilding was laid by the Grand Master , and on that occasion also we ¦ were honored by the presence of her Excellency the Countess Cowper .
To-night onr gathering is again graced by her presence , and yon will hear from some of the Brethren who will follow mo the progress that has been made in the bnilding since this time twelvemonths . We Governors had determined not to infringe on the funds of tho School for tho purpose of completing tho edifice , and I am proud to say we have been able to go on without doing so . But if tho School is
complete , there is another thing to be clone , and that is to furnish it . Now , I know that amongst the fairer portion of my audience thero is in every heart a soft tender spot , which , if I only had the magician ' s art , I might be able to touch ; but T can appeal to them and ask them to assist ns . Tfc is tho intention of the Governors , early in the ensuing year , to hold a bazaar or fancy fair , and wo hope from the
proceeds of that to be able to furnish the School . Now , on this occasion wc wish to enlist the sympathies and call upon the industrious fingers of onr lady friends to assist us arid help ns in every way they can . I know thoy will not refuse their consent . I ask them not to do so , ancl I will take their silence now as consent . Before sitting down , I . wish to mention that during the last year several of the older
girls have left the School , so that ou this occasion we have comparatively few but young children , and , as some of them are going to perform on tho piano , 1 would on thoir behalf bespeak , if necessary , tho kind sympathy and indulgence of the audience here . Bro . Capel Macnamara , LL . D ., Honorary Secretary , then read ' the annnal report , of which tho following is an extract : —The
anticipations expressed in the last report as to the new School have been fnlly realised . Tho foundation stone of tho building was laid with full Masonic ceremonial ou the 24 th of . Tune ( St . John ' s Day ) 1 S 80 , by the M . W . the G . M ., iu the presence of their Excellencies tue Lord Lieutenant and the Countess Cowper . Tho works have since been vigorously carried on , and afc the date of this report the main building has been roofed , the onfc offices have been commenced , the
boundary walls , railings , and gates are in process of erection , ancl ifc is confidently expected that the buildings will bo completed and ready for occupation early in the year 1882 . The contractors have hitherto given full satisfaction to the Building Committee . Great care has been taken to incur no extra expense which could be avoided , and there is no reason to apprehend that tha cost of the buildings , complete in all their essential parts , will exceed the estimated sum of
Masonic Orphan Schools, Dublin, Annual Distribution Of Prizes.
£ 12 , 000 . Special contribuions which were given to meet certain addi . tional expenses , such as the cost of handsome railings ancl suitable gates , and the Speedy Memorial Fund , which was devoted b y the donors towards tho cost of the infirmary , are not included in this sum , The most conspicuous liberality has been manifested by tho members of tho Order in support of this great undertaking . The subscriptions
promised up to 4 th May 18 S 1 amounted to £ 10 , 523 5 s , of which £ 7 , 353 7 s Sd was actually paid . If tho Building Fund up to 1 st of March . 1881 be included , the amount contributed to the Masonic Female Orphan School during tho period of this report far exceeds the recei pts during any corresponding period iu the history of the Institution—a result which , having regard to the circumstances of the timo , affords
the deepest gratification to tho Governors . The Governors havin " , with the approval of tho Grand Lodgo and Graud Chapter of Irelaud , resolved to raise the funds required for the completion of the new School without drawing upon tho invested capital , it is still necessary to collect a sum of about £ 2 , 000 . Though the amount already given is so large , tho number of individual donors is comparatively very
small , and although tho Orphans of provincial brethren who are received into the School far outnumber thoso from Dublin , the sab . scriptious from tho country , ancl especially from the North of Ireland , aro not in duo proportion to the sums received from tho Dublin members of the Order . The Governors earnestl y desiro ancl confidently hope that , by increased exertions , especially
on the parfc of tho friends of the Institution in the provinces , tho Building Fund may very speedily be completed . Tho general income for the year 1880 was £ 1 , 990 10 s lOd , ancl tho expenditure ( including a balance of £ 37 9 s 5 d due from 1879 ) was £ 2 , 591 17 s 5 d . There was , therefore , a deficit at the close of the year of £ 638 16 s , which , but for tho amount received for tho Building Fund , would have
caused the greatest anxiety . The Governors observe with regret thafc the decline in the receipts has now been progressive for several years . When the School is removed , it is expected that the annnal cost of maintaining the same number of children will not be greater than in tho existing house , but it would be a melanchol y disappointment if the Governors were precluded , by want of funds , from making the
enlarged accommodation available for tha admission of a greater number of pupils as rapidly as really eligible candidates came forward . Ifc may bo calculated that an increase of £ 40 per annum will be re . quired for the maintenance of each additional girl . Ifc is , therefore , essential to increase the amount of the permanent income , and the Governors believe that this can be best done by increasing the num .
ber of Annual Governors , and by inducing those who have already given larger sums nofc to discontinue the yearly subscriptions , on which the School must chiefly depend for its permanent stability . The number of subscribing brethren in Ireland is so large , that if all , or even a majority , could be induced to subscribe a small sum each , an ample endowment for both Schools would be obtained . The
Governors feel that no more convenient mode could be adopted of multiply ing small contributions than by extending the custom of making collections afc the meetings and devoting them to the Schools . During the year ten pupils have left the School . The inadequacy of the existing School to meet the demands upon it was painfully demonstrated during tho year . Only six pupils could be admitted , though
eig hteen candidates presented themselves in June , ancl seventeen in December . Seven were struck off the lists , having reached the limit of ago withont obtaining admission . Tho number of pupils in the School on 31 st December 1880 was thirty-five . Bro . Dr . Webb , Q . C , proposed that the report should be widel y circulated , and that the best thanks of the meeting be presented to
the Officers of tho Institution , ancl especially to its medical officers , for the disinterested ancl devoted attention which they have bestowed upon its interests , ancl for the unbounded interest and sympathy which they have manifested throughout for its prosperity aud progress . He proceeded : I must say thafc there is not a lady present , or , for that matter , not au un-Masonic gentleman present , whose
curiosity has not been aroused as to what may be the symbolic significance of the curious devices and the mysterious badges by which the brethren are adorned . I may venture to follow your example , sir . I will venture to take this great meeting into my confidence , and to reveal a secret—a secret which was revealed by you , ancl which was no secret whatsoever—a secret which is no secret / 1 presume—which requires
merely to be mentioned in order thafc you may be reminded of what is in reality a more fact , and that is this , that the true jewels and badges of this illustrious Order aro not those which are worn upon the shoulder and displayed upon the breast . If I may use the language , the familiar language of the mother of the Gracchi , " These are my jewels , " pointing to her children . I say that these young girlswhom
, wo are educating in the paths of virtue , are our jewels . Thafc these young boys , whom we are educating in the paths of virtue , are the real badges of the Order . Ifc is nofc , however , my duty to-night to glorify the Order ; The resolution which I have the honour to propose is that the report be widely circulated , and the more widely it is circulated , the more ifc will redound to the honour of the Brotherhood .
What docs thafc report exhibit ? It shows that in this disastrous year , in this year of universal distress , there have been in the Masonic body strong , determined and adventurous spirits , who have resolved to take this year above all others to characterise a new departure in Masonry , ancl to symbolise it by the erection of a building which all future generations ! , 0 r at least to many generations to come , will
bo a standing memorial of the liberality and munificence of the contemporary Order . The years of grace 1880 and 1881 have been marked by the private munificence of the Brotherhood in tho accumulation of so largo a sum as £ 10 , 500 . Though this has been the case , thoro remain those who have not yet performed their duty in this respect , and I am ashamed to
confess I am one of the number . It is not right that the new Masonic bnilding should bo allowed to commence its career of usefulness in debt , and the report says there is a sum of £ 2 , 000 still requiring to be subscribed before ifc can be relieved from thafc incubus . Now , I honestly confess my error , and I will promise amendment—if there is any Mason present who has fallen iuto a similar oblivion of his duty